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Symbolic Interactionism in Canada: Shared Meaning and the Perpetuation of Ideas
Author(s) -
Low Jacqueline
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
symbolic interaction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.874
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1533-8665
pISSN - 0195-6086
DOI - 10.1002/symb.405
Subject(s) - symbolic interactionism , contest , meaning (existential) , sociology , interactionism , demise , epistemology , the symbolic , perspective (graphical) , social science , law , psychoanalysis , psychology , political science , philosophy , artificial intelligence , computer science
In this paper I critically discuss Helmes‐Hayes and Milne's institutional perspective, as well as Neil McLaughlin's emphasis on scientific intellectual movements and Coserian intellectual sects, in explaining the emergence and potential future of symbolic interactionist theory in Canada. I contest claims that the interactionism is on the verge of disappearing and instead offer an explanation grounded in insights about shared meaning. I conclude that it is ironic that debates over the presumed demise of symbolic interaction may well contribute to its continued existence within the canon of Canadian sociology.